Deerness path – River Deerness loop from Lynesack and Softley

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Deerness path – River Deerness loop from Lynesack and Softley

Hard

5.0

(5)

riders

Deerness path – River Deerness loop from Lynesack and Softley

04:30

70.7km

640m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 17, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

26.3 km

Wayne Clark Memorial Sculpture and View of the Pennines

Highlight • Monument

Fabulous view of the Pennines and a bench to stop and rest on the Deerness Valley Railway Path.

This was a former single track branch line used to serve the coal mining industry in the area.

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29.7 km

Waterhouses

Highlight • Other

Deerness Valley crosses here

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34.4 km

Deerness path

Highlight • Structure

Old railway path

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34.7 km

River Deerness

Highlight • River

The River Deerness runs 11.6 miles (18.7 km) through the picturesque valley of the same name. On its way, it passes Waterhouses, Ushaw Moor and Esh Winning villages before joining …

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38.7 km

Broompark Picnic Area

Highlight • Viewpoint

50.6 km

Willington War Memorial

Highlight • Historical Site

Willington is a former mining town based on the Brandon to Bishop Auckland disused railway, which use to serve the coal mining industry. It's colliery closed in 1967.

There are …

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52.4 km

National Cycle Route

Highlight • Cycleway

Hard packed former railway, now a popular walkway for cyclists and walkers. A good route to Bishop Auckland and beyond. Can get busy on weekends.

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55.8 km

Newton Cap Viaduct

Highlight • Historical Site

This impressive viaduct is a Grade II-listed structure and was built in 1857 to carry the Bishop Auckland to Durham railway line across the River Wear. Spanning 828 feet (252 …

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